OPIR/Remote Sensing Algorithm Analyst

aero; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation’s Mission Payloads Division (MPD) seeks an Engineering Specialist to solve complex problems in remote sensing, imagery processing, and data exploitation for national security missions. The role is onsite in El Segundo, CA, with opportunities to influence DoD and IC programs.

You will apply mathematical methods, develop detection and tracking algorithms, and present analyses to senior government customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field.
• Eight years of relevant experience including 2 years supporting Space Force, NRO, or Air Force space programs.
• Experience developing detection, background suppression, and tracking algorithms for imagery data.
• Extensive numerical programming experience using Python and/or Matlab and/or C++.
• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor imagery data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for OPIR mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community.
• Employ mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking.
• Leveraging end-to-end data exploitation and analytics knowledge to validate novel image and signal processing algorithms.
• Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads.
• Craft innovative, multi phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers

Skills

Python

Matlab

C++

Image processing

Data analysis

Machine learning

Signal processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Imagery Processing and Exploitation Department (IPED) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly skilled physicists, engineers and mathematicians who support a variety of United States Government space programs. The department applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise government and internal Aerospace customers on technical matters related to space-based remote sensing. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge satellites and space systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA

What You'll Be Doing

• Solve challenging problems involving multi-sensor imagery data analysis, exploitation, and integration including for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) mission areas executed by the United States Space Force, Space Systems Command; Missile Defense Agency; Space Development Agency; and intelligence community
• Employ mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and select processing techniques, optimizing calibration, background suppression, signal augmentation, target detection, geolocation, and multi-target and multi-sensor tracking
• Leveraging end-to-end data exploitation and analytics knowledge to validate novel image and signal processing algorithms
• Apply end-to-end knowledge of data exploitation and data analytics to provide independent verification and validation of new image and signal processing algorithms and inform trade studies to optimize performance of space payloads
• Craft innovative, multi phenomenology solutions, specialized visualizations, and analytical reports for senior government customers

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering
• Eight years of relevant experience including 2 years supporting Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), or Air Force space programs
• Experience developing detection, background suppression, and tracking algorithms and their application to imagery data
• Adept at conducting modeling and simulation, test data generation, algorithm performance trade studies, and reporting findings to stakeholders
• Extensive numerical programming experience using Python and/or Matlab and/or C++
• An active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist:

• Twelve years in roles of increasing engineering/scientific responsibility including 6 years supporting Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), or Air Force space programs
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical efforts across complex defense or intelligence remote sensing programs
• Proven technical leadership, personal accountability, and adaptability to changing customer expectations

How You Can Stand Out

• Demonstrated expertise in linear algebra and spectral theory, evidenced by one or more of the following:
• Publications, patents, or technical reports using spectral methods
• Production-grade implementation of algorithms relying on eigenvalue analysis, SVD, and related techniques
• Advanced degree in a related STEM field, particularly Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering
• Published work in scientific journals or technical co